Agencies blitz Sunraysia construction sites

A WORKPLACE safety blitz has targeted Sunraysia construction sites this week.

Energy Safe Victoria, WorkSafe and the Victorian Bulding Authority joined forces as part of a campaign titled Build Aware, and have been visiting sites since Monday.

Each agency has sought to target a specific area, and electrical, trenching and bushfire building safety have all been areas of focus.

In recent years, the Build Aware campaign has included stops in Shepparton, Wodonga, Geelong, Bendigo, Ballarat and Warrnambool.

“Unfortunately, we continue to see examples of construction workers either overlooking, forgetting or are just being unware of basic safety procedures aimed at protecting them from electrocution and electric shocks,” Energy Safe CEO Leanne Hughson said.

“We’ll inspect a range of sites enforcing a range of safety requirements.

“Build Aware also gives us the great opportunity to meet with trade students, highlighting these important lessons early in their careers.”

WorkSafe has focused closely on trench safety.

“We’re reminding employers of the potentially deadly risks trenching presents without appropriate control measures in place,” WorkSafe Director of Construction Matt Wielgosz said.

“Incorrect use of shields, lack of benching or battering, and inadequate fall protection all put workers at risk of death or serious injury.”

More information on the blitz can be found on the Victorian Building Authority, Worksafe Victoria and Energy Safe Victoria websites.